Exodus 14:11

Authorized King James Version

And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֮
And they said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
מֹשֶׁה֒
unto Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#4
הַֽמִבְּלִ֤י
properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
#5
אֵין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#6
קְבָרִים֙
Because there were no graves
a sepulcher
#7
מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃
in Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#8
לְקַחְתָּ֖נוּ
hast thou taken us away
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#9
לָמ֣וּת
to die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#10
בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר
in the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#11
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#12
זֹּאת֙
wherefore
this (often used adverb)
#13
עָשִׂ֣יתָ
hast thou dealt
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#14
לָּ֔נוּ
H0
#15
לְהֽוֹצִיאָ֖נוּ
thus with us to carry us forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#16
מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃
in Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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